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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel John Leon McGinn (AFSN: 0-7869A/0-398332), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. As the only Air Force representative present in the Advance Command Post, General Headquarters, he assumed command of the Suwon Airport; (and) was responsible for organizing, establishing, and directing all air operations; designated air targets; and requested air strikes during the period 27 June to 12 July 1950. As a result of his actions the enemy was delayed sufficiently to enable the units of the Army of the Republic of Korea to be reformed, partially re-equipped, and recommitted to action. He remained in Suwon after the order for evacuation in order to notify incoming cargo planes that it would be unsafe to land, to destroy friendly planes which could not be removed, and to evacuate personnel and gasoline. Without regard to hours, he was a constant source of inspiration to all personnel with whom he came in contact and he made a material contribution to the mission of the United Nations in Korea.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    338th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    55th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 79 (September 5, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) John Leon McGinn (AFSN: 0-7869A/0-398332), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 338th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat over enemy occupied Europe during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and engaged him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    339th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    347th Fighter Group

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 21 – October 31, 1943
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 242 (February 12, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) John Leon McGinn (AFSN: 0-7869A/0-398332), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. As Operations Officer, he completed ten fighter sorties during the period of 21 July to 31 October 1943, making thirty of like nature in which he has participated, and, in addition, he has accomplished the destruction of two enemy airplanes during aerial combat. All of these flights were of a hazardous nature during which an area was traversed where enemy anti-aircraft fire was effective, or where enemy airplanes or exposure to enemy fire were habitually expected and in numerous instances encountered. Previous recognition that he has received makes his record one of emulation; his accomplishments being a credit to himself and the Army Air Force.